Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavors: The rich cream cheese filling combined with the tangy cherry topping offers a harmonious blend of tastes.
- Easy to Prepare: Using puff pastry simplifies the process, making these danishes accessible for both novice and seasoned bakers.
- Versatile: Enjoy them warm from the oven or at room temperature; they’re delightful either way.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Puff pastry sheets
- Cream cheese
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Egg yolk
- Cherry pie filling
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into squares, typically 3×3 for standard-sized danishes.
- Form Pastry Base: Place the pastry squares on the prepared baking sheet. Using a fork, gently press down the center of each square to create a slight indentation.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a bowl, blend the cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth.
- Assemble Danishes: Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry square.
- Add Cherry Topping: Place a spoonful of cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese layer. bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the danishes to cool slightly before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Yields approximately 8 danishes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes.
- Total Time: 25-28 minutes.
Variations
- Fruit Fillings: Swap the cherry pie filling for other fruits like blueberry, raspberry, or strawberry for different flavor profiles.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Mix in a bit of lemon zest or almond extract into the cream cheese filling for an added twist.
- Glaze: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled danishes for extra sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep any leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: If you prefer, store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes to refresh their flaky texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought?
Certainly! Homemade puff pastry can add a personal touch, though store-bought simplifies the process.
How do I prevent the pastry from becoming soggy?
Ensure the cream cheese filling is not too runny, and avoid overfilling the danishes.
Can I freeze these danishes?
Yes, assemble them, freeze individually, and then store in a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Is it necessary to use an egg yolk in the filling?
The egg yolk adds richness and helps bind the filling. You can omit it, but the texture may be slightly different.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
Fresh cherries can be used, but they may not provide the same sweetness and consistency as pie filling.
How can I make the cream cheese filling fluffier?
Beat the cream cheese mixture thoroughly until smooth and fluffy, ensuring all ingredients are at room temperature.
What can I serve these danishes with?
They pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or a fresh fruit salad.
How do I know when the danishes are done baking?
The pastry should be golden brown, and the filling should be set.
Can I make these danishes ahead of time?
Assemble them and refrigerate overnight. Bake just before serving for the best texture.
Are these danishes suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, they contain no meat products and are suitable for vegetarians.
Conclusion
These Cherry Cheese Danishes bring together the delightful combination of flaky pastry, creamy filling, and sweet fruit topping. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or treating yourself, they are sure to impress. Enjoy baking and indulging in these delectable pastries!
Cherry Cheese Danish
These Cherry Cheese Danishes are the perfect combination of buttery puff pastry, a creamy cream cheese filling, and sweet cherry pie filling on top. Easy to prepare, these delightful pastries are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. With a touch of richness from the cream cheese and a burst of tart sweetness from the cherries, these danishes are a must-try for any pastry lover.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-28 minutes
- Yield: 8 danishes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Puff pastry sheets
- Cream cheese
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Egg yolk
- Cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into squares, typically 3×3 inches for standard-sized danishes.
- Place the pastry squares on the prepared baking sheet and gently press down the center of each square with a fork to create a slight indentation.
- In a bowl, blend the cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth.
- Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry square.
- Add a spoonful of cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and fully cooked.
- Allow the danishes to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cherry pie filling with other fruits like blueberry, raspberry, or strawberry for a different flavor.
- To enhance the cream cheese filling, try adding lemon zest or almond extract for extra flavor.
- For added sweetness, drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled danishes.
